PSYCHOLOGY
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PSYCHOLOGY
CLINICAL / EDUCATIONAL & DEVELOPMENT / SPORT & PERFORMANCE PSYCHOLOGY
Psychologists are skilled in the assessment and diagnosis of mental health issues. Psychologists aim to treat, educate and support people to positively manage their thoughts, feelings and behaviour so that they can aim to achieve optimal functioning in all areas of their life. Psychologists work with individuals, groups and organisations.
At OPSMC our psychologists have expertise in a range of psychological practice areas.
SPORT & EXERCISE AND PERFORMANCE PSYCHOLOGY
Sport, exercise and performance psychology assesses psychological factors that influence, and are influenced by, participation in sport, exercise, physical activity, and elite performance, and the application of this knowledge to everyday settings.
As a scientific discipline, sport and exercise psychology explores diverse areas of human behaviour, such as excellence in sporting performance, motivational processes, motor learning, psychological considerations in sport injury and rehabilitation, leadership and group dynamics, talent identification, and the design, implementation and evaluation of performance enhancement strategies.
Performance psychology is concerned with the application of psychological knowledge and skills to understanding and positively influencing people’s behaviour. It draws upon a specialised body of knowledge and a diverse range of evidence-based assessment and intervention skills to assist clients to optimise performance, to work effectively within sport settings and organisations, and to overcome cognitive, emotional, behavioural or practical obstacles to peak performance.
EDUCATIONAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
Educational and developmental psychology is concerned with wellbeing across the lifespan, in particular, the development and learning of people throughout their lives.
Educational and developmental psychologists have knowledge and skills for evidence-based practice in the following areas:
- Assessing developmental, learning and behavioural difficulties throughout the lifespan
- Diagnosing disabilities and disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Differential diagnosis
- Identifying and using evidence-based interventions
- Counselling
- Consulting with individuals and groups
- Designing training programs
- Evaluating programs and interventions
- Designing and implementing professional development programs
- Case management and liaising with other specialists
- Writing reports for multiple audiences (e.g., parents, teachers, and other professionals)
- Psychological consultancy and professional learning
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
Clinical psychology focuses upon the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders.
Clinical psychologists provide psychological services to individuals presenting with mild to severe mental illnesses. They use a variety of evidence-based practice techniques to treat and manage individuals presenting with mental health problems. Clinical psychologists are skilled at managing more complex clinical issues. An important aspect of clinical psychology is research, teaching and evaluation.
For further information, please refer to the The Australian Psychological Society website: www.psychology.org.au
HOW WE CAN HELP YOU
Our psychologists are trained in the areas of clinical, educational and development, and sport, exercise and performance psychology.
We use practical strategies and utilise psychological approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Mindfulness training and general psych-education across a variety of settings for individuals, couples, groups and organisations.
OPSMC offers Psychology services at its Olympic Park Campuses.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
You do not need a referral to see our psychologists and you can claim on some private health plans. However, you should speak to your GP because you may qualify for a Mental Health Plan that would allow you up to 10 Medicare rebated sessions per calendar year. There are also Allied Health Plans available that work in conjunction with seeing multiple practitioners and this provides you up to 5 sessions with a Medicare rebate. Please be aware the Allied Health Plan only allows 5 Medicare rebate sessions across any of the Allied Health Services.
You do not need to bring anything to your sessions. If you have a referral please provide this to the reception staff upon arrival to ensure your details are recorded. If you have any relevant documentation you think may be helpful for our psychologists, please feel free to bring this to your session.
An initial consult will last 90 minutes, with subsequent sessions lasting 60 minutes. The length of sessions may also vary after consultation with the psychologists to meet specific patient needs
You can obtain a rebate provided you have the relevant Mental Health Plan or Allied Health Plan documentation.
You will need to check with your specific Private Health Policy to ensure psychology is covered. Policies can vary considerably.
Psychologists are trained very differently to psychiatrists, namely that psychiatrists come through a medical background and can prescribe medication. A psychologist cannot prescribe medication.
